Italian national team coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed deep sorrow on Tuesday regarding the prolonged conflict in Gaza, as his team prepares for two 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, including a game against Israel.
The Azzurri are set to face Estonia in Tallinn this Saturday, but attention is focused on their upcoming match against Israel in Udine next Tuesday. Recent mass demonstrations in Italy in support of Palestine have heightened tensions surrounding the fixture.
Last Friday, during a day of strikes backing the Palestinian cause, protesters gathered at Italy’s national training center in Florence, demanding the cancellation of the game. Further protests are expected in Udine leading up to the match.
“We are aware that playing the match is necessary to avoid a 3-0 loss… It is truly heartbreaking to witness the suffering of innocent people, especially children,” Gattuso conveyed to the press.
Italy witnessed significant protests last weekend against Israel’s actions in Gaza, prompting calls for Israel to be excluded from international sports due to the ongoing violence and devastation in the region.
Ticket sales for the upcoming match have been slow, with many empty seats anticipated at the Bluenergy Stadium, necessitating heightened security measures.
“The atmosphere won’t be easy with an expected 10,000 protesters outside and 5,000-6,000 fans inside,” Gattuso added. “We aim to secure our spot in the World Cup, and we would have preferred a home game with enthusiastic support, like we experienced in Bergamo last month.”
Italy, seeking redemption after missing the last two World Cup tournaments, currently occupies the second spot in Group I, tied on nine points with Israel and trailing leaders Norway by six points, with a game in hand.
Direct qualification for next year’s finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada is only guaranteed to the group winner, while the runner-up will enter a playoff for a spot.
In a contentious match held in Hungary last September, Italy narrowly overcame Israel 5-4. During the game in Debrecen, Italian fans displayed their disapproval by turning their backs during the Israeli national anthem, along with voicing disapproval and showcasing banners with the message “stop.”